The bcXCD Thread

[Capt_Planit]

Upstate blower. Azure Mountain Feb 27 2022. Squally day.

 

[gorgonzola]

Well that’s what I was looking for but I guess I’ll put this here…

Minnewaska SP 2/27/22

Last night I was searching for some favorable XCD conditions within day trip distance and was coming up empty when I stumbled on a decent snow report for Minnewaska SF XC trails. After some communication and navigational challenges got on the snow solo around 10:30. Some guidance in the parking lot had me on my way to the Castle rock trail on the skinny NNN setup, great fast snow, bright sun, mid 30’s and a breeze (quite stiff on the return NW exposures).

As an intermediate at best classic skier it was cool watching the skater boiz and girlz fly by me. I had never really skate ski’d and worked on it for a while until the ball of my right foot and arch objected , I even passed some little kids lol.

Such a cool place with endless vistas of cliffs, hills and the mountain (Bearpen?)to the north. Ended up doing almost 9 mi for a great loop, hopefully not the last hurrah.

 

[Ripitz]

Well that’s what I was looking for but I guess I’ll put this here…

Minnewaska SP 2/27/22

Last night I was searching for some favorable XCD conditions within day trip distance and was coming up empty when I stumbled on a decent snow report for Minnewaska SF XC trails. After some communication and navigational challenges got on the snow solo around 10:30. Some guidance in the parking lot had me on my way to the Castle rock trail on the skinny NNN setup, great fast snow, bright sun, mid 30’s and a breeze (quite stiff on the return NW exposures).

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As an intermediate at best classic skier it was cool watching the skater boiz and girlz fly by me. I had never really skate ski’d and worked on it for a while until the ball of my right foot and arch objected , I even passed some little kids lol.

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Such a cool place with endless vistas of cliffs, hills and the mountain (Bearpen?)to the north. Ended up doing almost 9 mi for a great loop, hopefully not the last hurrah.
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Nice loop. That’s some beautiful country. Looks like there was just enough coverage and some sun to warm things up. Bearpen is too far in the distance to be viewed from the Gunks. The main peak in that photo is Ashokan High Point. That’s a good mountain for XCD touring as well.

 

[gorgonzola]

Bearpen is too far in the distance to be viewed from the Gunks. The main peak in that photo is Ashokan High Point. That’s a good mountain for XCD touring as well.

Yea I figured as much, was half tongue in cheek. Thanks, that's good info, very cool area, will definitely be back.

 

[tirolski]

Three ladies completed a 24 hour trek in the Tetons.

Skiers traverse rugged 40-mile Teton Crest Trail in 24 hours

In a region full of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, one all-female group recently conquered a never-before-done backpacking ski trip right before the season’s final bit of snow melted off the

www.jhnewsandguide.com

 

[Peter Minde]

Well that’s what I was looking for but I guess I’ll put this here…

Minnewaska SP 2/27/22

Last night I was searching for some favorable XCD conditions within day trip distance and was coming up empty when I stumbled on a decent snow report for Minnewaska SF XC trails. After some communication and navigational challenges got on the snow solo around 10:30. Some guidance in the parking lot had me on my way to the Castle rock trail on the skinny NNN setup, great fast snow, bright sun, mid 30’s and a breeze (quite stiff on the return NW exposures).

View attachment 13418
View attachment 13419
As an intermediate at best classic skier it was cool watching the skater boiz and girlz fly by me. I had never really skate ski’d and worked on it for a while until the ball of my right foot and arch objected , I even passed some little kids lol.

View attachment 13420

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Such a cool place with endless vistas of cliffs, hills and the mountain (Bearpen?)to the north. Ended up doing almost 9 mi for a great loop, hopefully not the last hurrah.
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Great story!

 

[gorgonzola]

Great story!

Thanks! Funny, I was was just talking about this day last night. I met up with an old college friend in Philly who lives in New Paltz, his son runs in the park often. I'd like to get back up there for a bike ride, I think @jamesdeluxe had posted a TR at one point.

 

[Peter Minde]

Thanks! Funny, I was was just talking about this day last night. I met up with an old college friend in Philly who lives in New Paltz, his son runs in the park often. I'd like to get back up there for a bike ride, I think @jamesdeluxe had posted a TR at one point.

Minnewaska was where I learned to ski, back when it was still privately owned. I've done a lot of running up there too. The carriage roads are probably better suited for riding than skiing.

 

[Peter Minde]

From FasterSkier: a podcast about the epic Grand Traverse: 40-mile backcountry race from Crested Butte to Aspen. Racers start at midnight when the snowpack is still cold. At one point, I aspired to do this race, but I think it's beyond my ability at this point. FS podcasts are quite well done. Good listening while you're putting storage wax on your boards.

Nordic Nation: A Backcountry Ski Race on Skinny Skis – Simi Hamilton and Ben Koons Take Second at the 2022 Montane Grand Traverse – FasterSkier.com

 

[Capt_Planit]

As @Tjf1967 and @Sick Bird Rider have commented (nice pics) things have gotten good in the hood. Today did not disappoint.